(Pathfinder) The Curse of the Crimson Throne IC

[RocketMan]

Jensi

Jensi looks puzzled. "If someone was dangerous... I would try to help them, first. Then put them in jail, if that didn't work, since nobody wants to be in jail. But I wouldn't kill them."

[Blisstake]

"If you're the Hellknights, the solution is apparently doing both," Aldrin mutters. "But, unfortunately it isn't that simple. Maybe you'll understand at some point, but jails aren't always practical or ideal. Sometimes... sometimes keeping someone alive just puts more people in danger."

[Leviathan]

Aldrin, Jensi, and Atavian continue their conversation in the tavern, and, after a few drinks, they are joined by Rennard and Dastan. The tavern grows more and more crowded as the day wears onwards, filling with all manner of people: dwarves with tangled, greasy beards, a halfling entertained who performs on a table-top for mere coppers, and a few Varisian "traders" clad in bright scarves and baggy cloth. With such commotion, you do not notice someone approaching your table, duster coat swaying, until she sits down, a cocky smirk on her face.

"Hey, gentlemen," Kalinda Merryn says with a tip of her brimmed hat. "Not done being big heroes, I see: vanquishing that drink is saving someone else's liver, Aldrin. Someone who would have got it otherwise. Hurrah. But if you can pull yourselves away from fighting the good fight for a moment, I have something that might put a glint in your eyes and coins in your pockets."

She continues. "See, word is they've found the King's murderer - yes, he was murdered, it turns out. It's someone named Trinia Sabor. Don't know who she is, or how she did it, but I know sure as Iomedae ain't a hussy - sorry, Dastan - that whoever finds her will be rewarded for sure."

"Unfortunately for you, I can't help you any more that the lead. Maybe the Guard knows more, or maybe their just as clueless as the rest of us. Could be the whisperings underground turn up more; I don't know. I'll leave the details to you. If you catch her, maybe consider a finder's fee," she says with a crooked smile and a wink.

[Drothmal]

Rennard nods at Kalinda's words and thanks her former companion for the tip

What are we waiting for? whispers Reve inside of the fencer's mind, excitement in her voice

It is none of our business. The probability of us finding woman when half of the city will be after her reward is incredibly low. Also, we might be facing an unknown number of enemies tomorrow. Logic dictates that we allocate our efforts and our energies in the most effective manner responds the magus in his usual academic tone

Reve smiles, as if expecting that answer Don't look down on good fortune, my bonded. Besides, no harm in asking a few questions here and there, right?

Rennard sights, realizing that it would take as much effort to argue with the rapier as to take some action about the situation

Don't know why, but it seems that Reve's smile just turned wider

We will cover more ground if we spread out. Who would be willing to go with me to the Citadel? We could try asking the Field Marshal for information and we could also question Verick Soldado to see if he knows anything.

[Blisstake]

The King's Killer. The person the Hellknight's are waiting for before they begin the rest of their executions. If he helped finding this Trinia, Adrin would actually be speeding up the deaths of his family.

Quickly, he tries to dissuade the group, "Well, if this person has the resources to infiltrate possibly the most secure building in Varisia, get away with murder, and manage to escape, I don't see what chance we have in her capture."

[RocketMan]

Jensi

"We've done other things I didn't think were possible before now. I think we should try, at least," Jensi says brightly.

"Huh, rumours underground? Does that mean like echoes in a cave? Or do you mean criminals, Kalinda? Because we know a criminal - he was okay, he wanted to play this weird game with us. He wasn't underground though, he was on a boat."

[DaedalusMkV]

The killer of Varisia's rightful king. The person who turned festival into riot, a regicide and a murderer a hundred times over because of it. No, such a person could not be allowed to escape justice. The souls of all of her victims demand that she be brought back in chains, or dead if necessary.

Before the gunslinger leaves agan Dastan replies, "I take no offense, Kalinda, for none was intended. Thank you for bringing this to our attention." He looks back to the others, and his brilliant metallic eyes gleam in the dim lighting of the tavern. "True, the task may be difficult. True, we may fail. But we are speaking of the greatest criminal alive in the city. She didn't just kill the King; she set into motion events that caused hundreds of deaths, and harmed thousands. Can we truly pass this by, simply ignore this information and allow her to go free?" He shakes his head vehemently in support of his fiery rhetoric. "No. I agree with Jensi; we must act, for the good of everyone in this city. We have made aquaintance with several influential personages in our short time together. Marshall Croft, Captain Soldado, even that Jalento fellow and the merchant Gillenespie, not to mention the Queen herself. Between them, I'm certain they can tell us where to find this 'Trinia Sabor'..."

[Drothmal]

Well surmised, Dastan says the fencer as he nods at the paladin's words. With a quick pause, Rennard simulates scenarios for different distribution of the resources available to the party, trying to look for the optimal solution

With his usual pragmatic tone, the magus explains his perspective

Jensi and I should go to the Citadel and talk to Capatin Soldado and the Field Marshal.
Aldrin, though you dislike the man, you are the best suited to talk to Barvasi and see if he knows anything. Atavian, you and Tallox should go with him and provide backup
Dastan, your status as a paladin could be leverage to obtain more information, so it might be best for you to stay around here and find out as much as you can

Unless there are any disagreements, the duelist will wait until Jensi is finished with his drink and then go with the young Oracle back to the Citadel

[Leviathan]

Jensi and Rennard

You find Verick Soldado in the Citadel's barracks. He, along with numerous other guardsmen and -women are there. Verick, like the rest, is dressed in his civilian clothes, in his case, a brown tunic, dusty grey pants, a worn leather belt, and a wool cloak. They are hastily pulling on chain mail, belting on sheathes, and slipping their tabards over it all. "Let's go, people," Verick calls to the guards. "We're moving in five, so get in motion!" With an expert hand, he finishes his own preparation and then turns to face you. "I don't have long, I'm afraid, but you did save my life, and that's worth a few minutes. What do you need?"

Aldrin and Atavian

Eel's End is now familiar to you, if not particularly pleasant. Mentioning that you need information from the King of Spiders quickly gets you an escort into the "throne room." Luckily, the half-ogre Aldrin ruthlessly put to sleep is nowhere to be seen.

Barvasi smiles a smooth, sly grin, arrogant and self-assured. "Welcome, welcome! I am pleased to see you, though it is ever so much a disappoint that you did not bring your illustrious champion at knivesies," he clucks.

"Alas, indeed, for our lack of joyous games, but even where he here, business comes first, does it not?" And I would imagine you're here for just that, though my company is undoubtedly enjoyable. I would further imagine that you are here because you would like to find Trinia Sabor. Unfortunately my memory is not what it once was... sometimes it needs to be jogged..."

Dastan

The paladin follows Jensi and Rennard to the Citadel, but parts ways with them to go into the Field Marshal's office. Kroft is there, and is just ushering several Guard captains out from a briefing when you arrive. "Dastan," she says; "here about the latest news? I don't know how it's gotten out already - we only learned a few hours ago - but it's not good. I'm worried it will start another riot, or that some mob will just lynch the murderer before we can do anything about it."

[Blisstake]

Aldrin isn't surprised in the slightest at Barvasi's coy attitude toward the information they required. With a small sigh, he responds, "Have any of your subordinates been acting up? If so I could always have my friend here," he motions toward Tallox, "brutally maul them. Would that entertain you?"

The sorcerer glances toward the table where Rennard so foolishly accepted the game "knivesies" in order to obtain blackmail for the noble Ampril. He looks back toward the King of Spiders and asks, "Or are you in the mood for another game?"

[Leviathan]

Aldrin and Atavian

"Oh my, now that would be amusing," Barvasi replies when Aldrin offers a mauling. "I'm afraid, though, that I am equipped with a vast array of people willing to end lives in new and exciting ways, but only have a limited number desirous of tantalizing - and may I say quite valuable, given the bounty - information. So it seems I am demanding money."

[Drothmal]

Seeing the guards getting ready, Reve whispers

They are probably after this Trinia girl too

What do you base that on? replies Rennard telepathically

Intuition, of course! says the blade, matter of fact

It is an unfounded claim, then replies the duelist, his disapproval clear

Not when it's a woman's intuition, by Bonded retorts the rapier, bemusement even more clear in her words

Before the bantering continues, the captain finishes preparing



Rennard, preferring succinctness, is rather happy that Soldado want to keep it short.

We have heard that Trinia Sabor was responsible for the death of the King. Are the accusations true? And do you have any ideas where she might be?

[Blisstake]

Aldrin crosses his arms and frowns, looking Barvasi right in the eyes. "You know full well I'm not giving a filthy piece of scum like yourself a single copper for the information. Instead I propose we settle this in a far more engaging manner." The sorcerer unties a large sack from his belt, and unceremoniously drops it onto the floor in front of him. Gold coins spill over the edges of the bag, falling out of their container. At the same time, he procures the dagger that he had shown Jensi and Atavian earlier this day, and grips it tightly.

"All the money I have on me. Over one thousand in total if you'd care to count. Defeat me in a duel and it's all yours, plus whatever other goodies you find on my person. If I win, on the other hand, you tell me what we need to know about Trinia Sabor and I'll be on my way."

He glares at the King of Spiders with a fire in his eyes and challenges, "Do you accept? Or will be a coward like the vermin you are and have your henchmen handle all your affairs?"

Spoiler

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I get the feeling this isn't going to work, but...
Intimidate: (1d20+11)[21]

[Leviathan]

Rennard and Jensi

"I don't know if it's true or not; that's not for me to say. I've been ordered to apprehend her alive if possible, and dead if it isn't."

"I don't know where she is either: we're going out on patrol here, but we all have orders to keep an eye out. I can tell you though that she is described as a young woman of Chelish origin, with blonde hair, brown eyes, and a slight build. Castle servants described her as friendly, and said she has a birthmark on her right cheek."

Aldrin and Atavian

Barvasi scowls quickly, but then his tone becomes slick. "And I'd just said there would be no amusement to be had! Very well, I will play along." He stands, drawing a pair of daggers, one in each hand. "Begin!"

Spoiler

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And... Barvasi rolls a 1 on initiative; you're up, Blisstake. He's about 20 ft away.

[Blisstake]

Somewhat shocked at Barvasi's compliance, Aldrin grins and makes a few quick hand gestures as the crime lord approaches him. He recites a simple spell that has been quite useful throughout his adventures in the city, and sends a sonic assault crushing down on Barvasi's mind.

Spoiler

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You guessed it, Ear-Piercing Scream. DC 18 fort or dazed for a round.

(2d6)[9] damage or half on a save.

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan salutes the Field Marshal, pressing a fist against his chest, before replying. "You are correct, Marshal Croft. I am here about the news of the king's murderer, and I quite agree that the situation must be handled appropriately. I was hoping that my comrades and I would be able to assist you in finding and apprehending this Sabor villain before she escapes retribution for her crime." He takes a few steps to his left, then walks back. "If you know anything about my Order, you know that we could never allow a crime of this magnitude to go unanswered, whatever the circumstances. If you can simply tell us where to find her, we will do everything in our power to ensure that she is returned here to face trial, or at the very least bring back her remains and proof of her guilt."

[Leviathan]

Aldrin and Atavian

Barvasi lets out a high-pitched shriek as Aldrin's spell blasts his mind with sonic energy. He reels under its effects, clutching his ears. A few of the sycophants who have been cheering for their master gasp in shock.

Spoiler

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He's dazed, your turn again.

Dastan

Kroft nods firmly. "I had hoped you'd say that. Here's what we know: Trinia Sabor is a painter. She was contracted by the castle Seneschal to paint a portrait of the King. This was half a month before his death. Servants and Guards in the Castle have during the investigation described her behaving nervously, as if startled. One of the King's guards reported that she'd even brought the King his tea on occasion, and none of the Castle's cooks were in the kitchens at the time, so there would be no one to witness her poisoning it."

"She was summoned to the Castle this morning to be interrogated, but she did not appear, and then the rumours you've been hearing started to spread like wildfire."

"Unfortunately, we don't know her present location. She lives in the Shingles, and likely knows the area well. There would be plenty of places to hide there. A patrol checked her residence; she wasn't there. But then, that's no surprise: you'd have to be as stupid as an ogre to hide in your house."

[Blisstake]

While Barvasi is dazed from the spell, Aldrin attempts to alter his tactics to see if he can finish the fight sooner rather than later. He utters a simple enchantment, hoping that Barvasi would be unable to resist the effects.

Spoiler

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Casting Sleep on him. DC 17 will

Hp 23/23
AC 12
F +3 (+5 poison)
R +3
W +3
Level 1 spells: 4/6

[Drothmal]

Rennard and Jensi

"I don't know if it's true or not; that's not for me to say. I've been ordered to apprehend her alive if possible, and dead if it isn't."

"I don't know where she is either: we're going out on patrol here, but we all have orders to keep an eye out. I can tell you though that she is described as a young woman of Chelish origin, with blonde hair, brown eyes, and a slight build. Castle servants described her as friendly, and said she has a birthmark on her right cheek."

Thank you for the information captainreplies the fencer after making a mental note of Trinia Sabor's description.

I will not keep you from your duty. We will also be searching for this woman

Wish him good luck! whispers Reve

Rennard just ignores the blade's suggestion, still not very sure what luck has to do with the present endeavor


Unless Jensi has any questions for Soldado, Rennard will let the captain go. After he leaves, the duelist turns to the oracle and asks

Should we rendezvous with Dastan? Or would you rather see if we can find out if Amin Jalento knows anything about our quarry?

[RocketMan]

"Thanks Verick!" Jensi says happily, despite the inability of the guardsman to identify a location. As Rennard and Jensi wind their way through the Citadel to Kroft's office, Jensi ponders the fugitive Trinia.

Verick said that the servants said that Trinia seemed friendly... Can friendly people be murders too? It was an interesting thought.

[Leviathan]

Aldrin and Atavian

The King of Spiders' eyes drift shut for a moment, but then he blinks, shaking his head to wake himself up. "An excellent trick; unfortunately, I am feeling unimaginative, so I meet your cunning with mere brutishness." The crime lord laughs as he closes in, jabbing one of his curved daggers at Aldrin, then flipping it around out of view the moment before it strikes. He shrugs almost apologetically. "Or not."

Spoiler

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You're up again.

Rennard and Jensi

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Drothmal and RocketMan, feel free to join in Dastan's scene if you'd like.

[Drothmal]

Rennard enters Kroft's office as she was describing the situation to the paladin

Wait a second, is there any proof that she did it? asks Reve inside of the fencer's mind, the blade's tone tinged with a small dose of disrespect for the Guard

Nonetheless, the rapier did bring up a good point that Rennard conveys to the Field Marshal in his usual succinty

Excuse me, ma'am, but is there any proof that she was the poisoner?

[Blisstake]

Aldrin moves uncomfortably as Barvasi's daggers move in patterns he cannot recognize. He wasn't supposed to be close to dangerous knife-wielding enemies in an ideal situation, but how else was a duel supposed to pass.

"Then I'll just have to display equal dullness with my standard routine," he retorts, stepping back and calling sonic energies to his fingertips. "I just hope your mental faculties are still functioning once I'm through with you."

Spoiler

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5 foot step back, and Ear Piercing Scream.

If it's not possible to 5 foot step, he will cast defensively (1d20+11)[19] for concentration (17 to succeed, I believe)

DC 17 fortitude save for him, or he's dazed. (2d6)[9] damage with half on a save.

HP: 23/23
AC: 12 (10 FF)
F +3 (+5 poison)
R +3
W +3

Level 1 spells: 3/6

[Leviathan]

Dastan, Rennard, and Jensi

The Field Marshal frowns. "There's nothing that will indict her, but the evidence seems damning. She ran rather than talk, and had the opportunity to poison him. Hells, they were alone together for hours while she 'painted.'" Kroft produces the last word through pursed lips. "All that's missing is a motive."

Besides, whether she's guilty or not is what we find out after she's behind the thickest bars we can find," she growls.

Aldrin and Atavian

Barvasi starts to respond, but then Aldrin's second blast of sonic power rivets through his mind, leaving him stunned and off-balance. His sycophants gasp again.

[Blisstake]

The sorcerer grins and takes a step closer to Barvasi after muttering more words of power. He looks at the dazed crime lord and says in a low voice, "Maybe you didn't understand me when I said I'm not someone to be messed with." This is followed by a hand gesture as invisible magical energies travel from his outstretched hand to the man in front of him.

"But you're clearly outmatched. How about we just end this, and you tell me what you know about Sabor." The last bit doesn't come off as a request, but rather a command.

Spoiler

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Casting Charm Person on him, DC 19 will save (+2 bonus from Infernal bloodline arcana)

[Drothmal]

Rennard nods at the Field-Marshall's words

Agreed, that is the logical sequence that we must follow.


I still don't like it... whispers the blade, though she knows that her master has settled on a course of action

Turning to the oracle and the paladin, the duelist adds

Unless the Field Marshall has anything else to add, I suggest that we gather the rest of our companions and make our way to the suspect's apartment. Even if she is no longer there, we might find a clue of where she could have hidden

Unless either Dastan or Jensi disagree, Rennard will make a salute and leave Kroft's office

[Leviathan]

Aldrin and Atavian

Barvasi smiles; it appears to be the first that is genuine. "You may applaud, underlings," he directs his followers; "it was rather impressive of you, after all, though you were about to be eviscerated."

The King of Spiders returns to his throne, looking only slightly worse for wear. "Your information, of course. Trinia Sabor is a painter. She was hired by the Seneschal to create a portrait of our dear late King. I suspect that she was chosen not so much for her artistic merits as much as for her charms. Eodred, poor man, never did have much luck producing offspring, despite finding the womanly shape pleasing to the eye, but that fact certainly didn't prevent him from enjoying those pleasing shapes nonetheless!" He laughs lasciviously.

"But on to the dire discoveries of today! A rumour came out of the Castle today - they all do, you know - that she'd been poisoning the King's tea. Which I find odd and vaguely offensive, because she certainly didn't purchase the poison from any of my people, and mostly such things go through me."

"If you'd like to go and kill her, or arrest her, or make her squirm, or do whatever you'd like, she's currently in hiding in the Shingles, which seems to suggest that she's not the brightest of girls. In her appartment, in fact. She seems to be under the impression that we are all either as stupid as she, or else prone to believing that she herself is intelligent."

[DaedalusMkV]

"Agreed. Once we bring her in, we can determine the truth of the matter. In the meantime, anyone as important to the murder as this is cannot be allowed to hide herself away. Even if she isn't the murderer, she almost certainly has information that will lead us to them. Otherwise, she would never have run in the first place." He looks at Rennard and Jensi. "Yes. Perhaps their... Venture will provide valuable information as well. If anyone knows where to find a single criminal in the Shingles, it would be him. I don't look forwards to trying to find her without a more accurate location." Dastan turns back to the Field Marshal and bows. "Thank you once again for your trust, Field Marshal. We will return when the situation is resolved."

If nobody else has anything to say, he will then turn around and march from the office, heading for Atavian and Aldrin at Barvasi's floating sinhouse.

[SanguinePenguin]

Atavian smiles, almost entirely for Aldrin's cunning. He then speaks, "Barvasi, thank you. But I must be certain - how did you get this information? I would hate to find out that she is, in fact, intelligent as I blunder into a trap... If you have the information - and were not conspiring with her - I must assume that some others have the information as well. Regicide is a sure way to shorten your life span. So why is she not dead? Why is she not in chains? Why have your men not brought her in to collect a reward?" Atavian looks suspiciously at this 'King of Spiders' pondering what lies hidden in his mind.

Spoiler

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Diplomacy: (1d20+4)[17]

[Leviathan]

Aldrin and Atavian

Barvasi grins. "Now now, my dear little demi-human, would I be much of an information broker if I revealed to you how I get my information?

And you insult me: the fact that I know does not mean other do! My talents ensure that I know much that others do not!

But if it appeases your worried little mind, I will say that I have not claimed the reward for two reasons: first, it's bad for business to be implicated in this sort of thing. My associates would never do business with me again for fear that I might turn witness against them. Second: because it seems dubious to me that, were I to march up to the Castle, anyone would believe that I had not gained my knowledge from involvement in the crime itself. And I assure you, execution is not my preferred reward! So there you have it."